SSC CGL Syllabus 2025: Complete Tier-Wise Breakdown & Preparation Guide
If you’re preparing for the SSC CGL 2025 exam, one thing is certain—you need to know the exact syllabus and exam pattern to plan your preparation effectively. The SSC CGL exam is one of the most competitive government exams, offering prestigious posts in various government departments.
But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with a detailed, easy-to-understand, and well-structured syllabus breakdown that will help you ace the exam. Let’s dive in!
SSC CGL Exam Structure: What to Expect?
Before we get into the syllabus, here’s a quick overview of how the SSC CGL exam is structured:
Tiers of the Exam
- Tier 1 – Objective test (online)
- Tier 2 – Objective test (online)
- Tier 3 – Removed (as per the new pattern)
- Tier 4 – Skill test (only for specific posts)
Now, let’s break down each tier’s syllabus in detail.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Syllabus 2025
This is the first stage of the exam, and it is qualifying in nature. Your marks in Tier 1 will determine whether you move to the next stage.
Exam Pattern for SSC CGL Tier 1
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 1 Hour |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 1 Hour |
Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer = +2 marks
- Each wrong answer = -0.50 marks
Detailed Syllabus for SSC CGL Tier 1
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
This section tests your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Topics include:
✔️ Analogy & Classification
✔️ Coding-Decoding
✔️ Blood Relations
✔️ Syllogism
✔️ Puzzles & Seating Arrangements
✔️ Direction & Distance
✔️ Alphanumeric Series
2. General Awareness
This section is all about how well you know the world around you. Focus on:
✔️ Current Affairs (last 6–12 months)
✔️ Indian History & Polity
✔️ Geography (India & World)
✔️ Economy & Budget
✔️ Science & Technology
✔️ Static GK (Books, Awards, Important Days)
3. Quantitative Aptitude
Maths can be tricky, but if you master these topics, you’re good to go:
✔️ Number System & Simplification
✔️ Algebra & Geometry
✔️ Percentage & Profit-Loss
✔️ Time, Speed & Distance
✔️ Time & Work
✔️ Trigonometry & Data Interpretation
4. English Comprehension
A strong hold on English can help you score well here. Prepare these topics:
✔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
✔️ Reading Comprehension
✔️ Sentence Improvement
✔️ Error Detection
✔️ Cloze Test
✔️ One-word Substitutions
How to Prepare for Tier 1?
✔️ Solve previous years’ papers – It helps you understand the exam pattern.
✔️ Mock tests are a must! – Time management is key in Tier 1.
✔️ Focus on current affairs – At least 6 months before the exam.
SSC CGL Tier 2 Syllabus 2025
If you clear Tier 1, you move on to Tier 2, which is more detailed and carries higher weightage in final selection.
Exam Pattern for SSC CGL Tier 2
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge | 130 | 390 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | Statistics (for specific posts) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 3 | General Studies (Finance & Economics) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Detailed Syllabus for SSC CGL Tier 2
1. Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning
Expect a tougher version of Tier 1 Quantitative Aptitude with additional topics:
✔️ Algebra & Geometry (Advanced)
✔️ Probability & Permutations
✔️ Logarithms
✔️ Data Interpretation (Pie Chart, Bar Graphs)
✔️ Puzzles & Series
2. English Language & Comprehension
This is an extension of the English section from Tier 1 but with more emphasis on:
✔️ Active-Passive Voice
✔️ Direct-Indirect Speech
✔️ Advanced Reading Comprehension
3. General Awareness
✔️ Indian Economy & Budget
✔️ Environmental Issues
✔️ Science & Technology Developments
✔️ Important Government Schemes
4. Computer Knowledge
✔️ Basics of Computers
✔️ MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
✔️ Internet & Networking
✔️ Cyber Security
5. Statistics (Only for Specific Posts)
✔️ Collection & Representation of Data
✔️ Measures of Central Tendency
✔️ Probability Theory
✔️ Correlation & Regression
6. General Studies (Finance & Economics – Paper 3)
✔️ Basics of Economics
✔️ Banking & Monetary Policies
✔️ Inflation & Deflation
✔️ Indian Budget & Fiscal System
How to Prepare for Tier 2?
✔️ Focus on accuracy & speed – Tier 2 is not just about solving but solving fast.
✔️ Practice data interpretation – Questions are lengthy but solvable with tricks.
✔️ Brush up on finance & statistics – If you’re appearing for Papers 2 or 3.
SSC CGL Tier 4: Skill Test & Document Verification
Tier 4 is only applicable for certain posts and includes:
- DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) – Requires a typing speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour (for Tax Assistant).
- CPT (Computer Proficiency Test) – Word Processing, Excel & PowerPoint tasks (for specific posts).
- Document Verification (DV) – Essential for all candidates before final selection.
Final Thoughts: How to Crack SSC CGL 2025?
1️⃣ Master the syllabus – Know what to study and what to skip.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Allocate time for each subject daily.
3️⃣ Solve previous year papers – At least the last 5 years.
4️⃣ Give regular mock tests – The more, the better!
5️⃣ Stay updated with current affairs – Read newspapers and monthly magazines.
The SSC CGL exam is tough, but if you prepare smartly, success is within reach! So, get started today, stay consistent, and ace the exam!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on SSC CGL Syllabus 2025
Q1: How many tiers are there in the SSC CGL exam?
Ans: The SSC CGL exam has four tiers:
- Tier 1 – Objective test (CBT)
- Tier 2 – Objective test (CBT)
- Tier 3 – Removed from the exam pattern
- Tier 4 – Skill Test (Only for specific posts)
Q2: Is there a negative marking in SSC CGL?
Ans: Yes, negative marking applies in both Tier 1 and Tier 2:
- Tier 1: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Tier 2:
- Paper 1 (Quant, Reasoning, English, GA, Computer) – 1 mark per wrong answer (except English, which has 0.25 negative marking).
- Paper 2 & 3 (Statistics & Finance) – 1 mark per wrong answer.
Q3: Which subjects are the most important for SSC CGL?
Ans: The key subjects to focus on are:
- Mathematics & Reasoning (High weightage in Tier 1 & 2)
- General Awareness (For scoring quickly)
- English Language & Comprehension (Important for both tiers)
Q4: What are the best books for SSC CGL preparation?
Ans: Some of the best books include:
- Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma
- English Language – Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh, SP Bakshi
- Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal, MK Pandey
- General Awareness – Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook
Q5: How much time is required to prepare for SSC CGL?
Ans: Ideally, 4–6 months of dedicated study is required for beginners. If you already have a good grasp of the subjects, 3–4 months of practice can be sufficient.
Q6: Can I crack SSC CGL without coaching?
Ans: Absolutely! Many aspirants crack SSC CGL through self-study. You just need:
- A structured study plan
- Daily practice with mock tests & PYQs
- Consistency in revision
Q7: What is the difficulty level of SSC CGL?
Ans: The difficulty level varies by tier:
- Tier 1 – Easy to moderate
- Tier 2 – Moderate to difficult
- Tier 4 – Just a skill test (qualifying in nature)
Q8: How to improve my speed and accuracy for SSC CGL?
Ans: To boost speed and accuracy:
✔️ Practice at least 2-3 mock tests per week.
✔️ Use short tricks for maths (like Vedic Maths).
✔️ Work on time management while solving reasoning questions.
Q9: What is the best way to prepare for SSC CGL General Awareness?
Ans:
- Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express).
- Follow monthly current affairs compilations.
- Revise Static GK topics regularly.
Q10: Is there a sectional cutoff in SSC CGL?
Ans: No, there is no sectional cutoff in SSC CGL. You just need to clear the overall cutoff to qualify for the next stage.
Got more questions? Ask us in our Telegram group and I’ll be happy to help! Stay consistent, and all the best for SSC CGL 2025!